Posted on January 27, 2014 | 5:43 PM

The country’s best source for entertainment news and celebrity lifestyle is taking things notches higher this 2014, following a win at the prestigious 12th Gawad Tanglaw Awards for Best Magazine.

Setting the bar with its recent success, StarStudio aims to up its game of bringing the latest happenings in showbiz, as featured in its newest February issue.

For this month, StarStudio Magazine presents “The Love Diaries”—an issue packed with celebrity love stories that will make for the perfect reading this month of love.

Leading the couples featured in this issue are Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez, who share the exclusive story of how they met and fell in love. The much talked about celebrity couple also give readers a look into their personal travel photos with captions that Sarah wrote herself.

A newly-minted couple also takes on the spotlight in StarStudio this February to model day and night date looks, as Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo show readers ways to look their best for the upcoming Valentine’s day.

All this and more are featured in the February 2014 issue of StarStudio, which was recently named Best Magazine in the 12th Gawad Tanglaw Awards in which ABS-CBN was also named TV Station of the Year.

Get all these and more in StarStudio’s latest issue, available at bookstores and newsstands nationwide. For updates, visit and like StarStudio on Facebook (www.facebook.com/StarStudio.Magazine) and follow the magazine’s official Twitter and Instagram accounts (@starstudiomag) for your best source of entertainment news and celebrity lifestyle.

The year 2014 is forecasted to be a lucky year for “Got to Believe” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, while Vice Ganda and Richard Yap are advised to be more careful with how they present themselves to the public to avoid intrigues.

Psychic experts also see big changes in the life of the Queen of All Media Kris Aquino. They will also share pieces of advice for actress Jodi Sta. Maria and newlywed couple Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros.

Meanwhile, possible calamities and storms might hit the country again this year and it may even be stronger than typhoon Yolanda.

Posted on December 27, 2013 | 8:49 AM

Hosts John Prats, Deniesse Aguilar, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros will revisit some of the most unforgettable moments in “I Dare You Season 2″ that saw celebrities and ordinary Filipinos teaming up to face real-life challenges.

This season’s action-packed and heart-tugging episodes highlighted the spirit, determination, and partnership of the Celebrity Kakampi and Bidang Kapamilya who worked together to foster positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Some of these include Matteo Guidicelli pretending as a triathlete with disability, Precious Lara Quigaman working as a MMDA officer, Baron Geisler training as fire volunteer to face his biggest fear, Jiro Manio getting into mixed martial arts to start his life anew, and newlyweds Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco undergoing dancesport training.

The season finale will also feature the touching stories of everyday people and celebrities whose lives have changed by accepting the challenges of the program.

Don’t miss the anthology of this season’s triumphs and struggles in “I Dare You Season 2,” Saturday night (December 28) after “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” For updates, like facebook.com/IDAREYOUSEASON2 or follow @IDareYouS2 on Twitter and @idareyouofficial on Instagram.

Posted on December 18, 2013 | 9:15 PM

Comic couple Jason Francisco and Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros will not leave the entertainment industry after getting married and preparing for parenthood.

“If given a chance, I’ll be back in showbiz. But I want to take care of my baby first for at least three to four months. I want to be a hands-on mother,” Melai shared with Anthony Taberna in “Tapatan ni Tunying” (TNT) airing this Thursday (Dec 19).

Melai and Jason are expecting to welcome their baby in April. Jason, on the other hand, is having second thoughts about having many children contrary to his prior dream of having a big family.

“At first, I dreamt of a one big happy family. But after attending seminars before the wedding, I learned that it is not easy. I really wanted a big family but I have to think of my wife’s health condition,” Jason explained.

With all the challenges that tested their relationship, Jason believes that their bond has become stronger and more emotionally stable, which has made them ready for parenthood.

When asked if Melai will still get married if she did not get pregnant, she gave a resounding yes.

“I did not have second thoughts because he told me that he is already prepared to settle down, and he wants to build a family with me. I also feel the same,” Melai said.

The well-loved Melai and Jason’s love team budded during their stay in the “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) house. They recently tied the knot in Melai’s hometown General Santos City.

The couple also reminisces how their romantic relationship started and what they went through these past years in the episode.

In the ‘premium exclusive’ of “Buzz ng Bayan,” witness how the unique humor of Melai and Jason made their union more lovable and laughable for their loved ones and special guests including Mommy Dionisia and Rep. Manny Pacquaio.

Watch the exclusive wedding coverage and join in the fun discussion of Boy Abunda, Janice de Belen and Carmina Villarroel, together with ‘Bayan Buzzers’ and TV viewers, about the wedding of the Kapamilya couple who immediately captured the hearts of the audience in 2009 as Kuya’s housemates in “Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up.”

Don’t miss “Buzz ng Bayan” this Sunday at 4PM, after “Luv U” on ABS-CBN. For updates about “Buzz ng Bayan,” like Facebook.com/BuzzNgBayanOFFICIAL and follow @BuzzNgBayan on Twitter.

The pressure is high for newlyweds Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco to step up as their dancesport challenge continues this Saturday (Dec 14) episode in“I Dare You.”

Last week’s episode saw Melai and Jason repeatedly stumbling on dance routines, and Jason criticized by celebrity dance expert Maribeth Bichara for his lack of focus and determination when he took the basic steps test with Melai. This resulted in his failure and the whole group, also composed of Japoy Lizardo, Kiray Celis, and their partners, in the challenge that would have given all of Melinda Adora’s Step Kids pairs of dancing shoes.

To inspire Jason, he, along with Melai went to visit his grandmother in Mindoro whose medical bills will be covered by the program if they succeed in a real-life dancesport competition. Will Jason be able to find the heart to take the challenge seriously? Will he, Melai, Japoy, and Kiray win the dance studio for the Step Kids, the birthday party for Japoy’s partner, and the college scholarship for Kiray’s partner?

Watch “I Dare You Season 2” with John Prats, Deniesse Aguilar, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros Saturday night (Dec 14) after “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” For updates, like facebook.com/IDAREYOUSEASON2 or follow @IDareYouS2 on Twitter and @idareyouofficial on Instagram.

Posted on December 10, 2013 | 9:30 AM

The wedding bells rang for the PBB alumi and celebrity couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, who tied the knot on Monday, December 9 at the Holy Cross Parish in Calumpang, General Santos City.

The wedding reception followed at the Pandan Grand Ballroom of the Greenleaf Hotel General Santos City. Among those who attended the wedding were designer Nat Manilag, director Erick Salud, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, and their best men, Ryan Bang and PBB batchmate Paul Jake Castillo.

Posted on December 5, 2013 | 6:16 PM

Before Melai Cantiveros walks down the aisle to tie the knot with her real-life sweetheart Jason Francisco, the comic couple is bound to face a challenge that will test their relationship in “I Dare You” this Saturday (Dec 7) on ABS-CBN.

Melai and Jason will undergo a strenuous one-month training to learn traditional Latin dances under the guidance of multi-awarded dancesport coach Belinda Adora. If the couple wins in a real-life dancesport competition, the reality show will fund the construction of a dance studio for Belinda Adoro’s Step Kids, a group of underprivileged children sponsored and trained by Belinda.

Despite the gravity of what’s at stake, the two cast off the pressure and mess around during training. Will they be able to just laugh through the difficult dance routines to achieve their goal?

Also joining Melason in the challenge are actress Kiray Celis and taekwondo superstar Japoy Lizardo, who will compete with dancers from Step Kids. Japoy’s challenge is to break away from his taekwondo techniques and adopt graceful dance moves, while Kiray’s is to boost the self-confidence of her partner who is suffering from inferiority complex. If they win first place in their respective competitions, Japoy’s partner will be rewarded with a grand 18th birthday party, while Kiray’s will get a scholarship and a livelihood package.

Join hosts John Prats, Deniesse Aguilar, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros as they showcase Filipinos who brave through life’s challenges in “I Dare You Season 2,” Saturday night (Nov 30) after “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” For updates, like facebook.com/IDAREYOUSEASON2 or follow @IDareYouS2 on Twitter and @idareyouofficial on Instagram. Join in the online discussion while watching the episode and tweet using the hashtag #IDareYouMelason.

Posted on November 14, 2013 | 8:03 PM

Fresh from his stint in rehab, actor Jiro Manio looked to get his life back on track by accepting the challenge of ABS-CBN’s realiserye “I Dare You” that compelled him to undergo mixed martial arts training.

Jiro’s career came to a crashing halt when he became a father at only 15 years old and later became addicted to drugs.

The episode to be aired on Saturday (Nov 16) shows Jiro going through strenuous training sessions and living with Tough Guys, a group of young boys, who, like Jiro, were trying to recover from their missteps.

Even though Jiro gave the unyielding determination that was demanded of them, he was caught smoking and were late in some of his training sessions.

The one-month challenge culminated in a real-life MMA fight that would get him college scholarships for his two children and new equipment for Tough Guys.

How did Jiro fare in the match? Was he able to prove he was ready to start anew with his life?

Join John Prats, Deniesse Aguilar, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros as they showcase Filipinos who brave through life’s challenges in ABS-CBN’s realiserye “I Dare You Season 2,” Saturday night (Nov 16) after “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” For updates, like facebook.com/IDAREYOUSEASON2 or follow @IDareYouS2 on Twitter and @idareyouofficial on Instagram.

Posted on October 11, 2013 | 7:40 PM

ABS-CBN’s realiserye “I Dare You” will lead the journey towards change as it shows celebrities and extraordinary Filipinos teaming up to face real-life challenges in a more daring and inspiring second season, which premieres on Saturday (Oct 12) on ABS-CBN.

Hosted by John Prats, former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Deniesse Aguilar, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros, “I Dare You” will test the spirit, determination, and partnership of the “Celebrity Kakampi” and “Bidang Kapamilya,” who will work together to accomplish tasks.

If Season 1 focused on the series of tasks celebrities had to go through to win a reward for the Bidang Kapamilya, Season 2 will highlight the participants’ life-changing journey to foster positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

John shared that in Season 2, he and his co-hosts immerse directly and extensively in the Bidang Kapamilya’s world and get to experience the same challenges the celebrities have to go through.

“What’s good about this season is the immersion. We don’t just do something for a day, like sell something at a wet market, and that’s it. Now I understand other people’s lives better. I didn’t think I would be able to overcome what I did, but something was at stake, so I just did what I had to do. It feels good to be able to help others,” said John.

According to Robi, some celebrities even live and work with the Bidang Kapamilya for long periods, from five days to almost a month.

“‘Some celebrities don’t go home on a daily basis, and if they do, they come back to establish a connection, to relive the life of the Bidang Kapamilya. It’s reality at its finest,” he said.

He added, “In the program, we will show that you don’t have to be an Andres Bonifacio or a Jose Rizal to be a hero. We will showcase people who may be doing simple things but have a big impact on others, who don’t look for extravagance and credit. These stories are worth-sharing and inspiring.”

Hosting newbie Deniesse, meanwhile, is very excited or her first hosting project right after leaving the Big Brother house. She shared that aside from articulating spiels properly, she also learned how to mingle and relate to the Bidang Kapamilya.

“This is a huge opportunity and break for me. I’m very thankful for this because it helped me grow as a host and as a person,” said Deniesse.

Deniesse also noted that while she and her co-hosts have different roles in the realiserye, she will act as the ‘kabarkada’ who will listen to the participants’ grievances and ease their burden.

Melai's pregnancy was made public last week through showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, who confirmed on his radio show that the 25-year-old comedienne is pregnant courtesy of boyfriend Jason Francisco. However, contrary to early reports, the baby is not made in Singapore. In a joint interview on The Buzz, Melai and Jason, revealed to host Boy Abunda that the baby is not much of is made in the Philippines.

The couple has already informed their respective families about the situation. Melai, for her part, called her mother to break the good news while Jason went back to Mindoro to tell his family about Melai's pregnancy and his plan to marry the actress.

Melason has not yet discussed details about the wedding but their families decided to have it in church.

Melai said that she will go back to work as soon as she had made sure that the baby in her womb is already stable. Meaanwhile, Jason is hoping for greater things to come in his career after his recent stint on Wansapanataym.

Posted on September 1, 2013 | 8:59 AM

Is it true that PBB Double Up big winner Melai Cantiveros is pregnant with Jason Francisco's child? Netizens were surprised Saturday evening when a report about Melai being pregnant and her boyfriend Jason Francisco as the baby's father spread online.

According to reports, the rumor started when host Ogie Diaz dropped a blind item on his radio program OMJ Saturday evening pertaining to Melai. He then posted a tweet asking whether the said pregnancy rumor was true.

Ogie revealed that the baby was made in Singapore when the Melason love team joined Kris Aquino for the taping of an international episode of KrisTV where Melai is a semi-regular co-host.

If the baby is indeed made in Singapore, then Melai, if the alleged pregnancy is true, will be more or less two months pregnant as the said episode was aired and probably taped June of this year.

Melai and Jason started to became close inside the Pinoy Big Brother house way back in 2009 when both were housemates in the show's double up edition. The two then opened up about their relationship after their PBB stint which boosted their popularity as a love team, landing them a show of their own.

Melai and Jason broke up last year and reconciled a year after.

The two is yet to comment on the pregnancy issue but fans of Melason are already tweeting congratulatory messages for the couple. If indeed Melai is pregnant with Jason's child, we're also happy for both of them.

Posted on August 10, 2013 | 4:43 PM

Is Daniel Padilla being possessive of Kathryn Bernardo?

On the August 9, 2013 episode of Kris TV, Daniel Padilla imposed rules on Kathryn Bernardo now that she has returned to school. Kathryn is taking up Business Administration (major in Marketing) at the Enderun Colleges.

Kathryn and Daniel have yet to admit that they are officially a couple but in previous interviews, the two said that they are in the "MU" or "mutual understanding" stage. Two years after their first ever team up in Growing Up, KathNiel will have their television return via primetime series Got to Believe which is set to premiere this August 26.

Posted on May 17, 2013 | 3:19 PM

Kapamilya Deal or No Deal airs it most star-studded episode this Saturday (May 18) that will be graced by the brightest local and international “celebrities.”

Viewers are in for an exciting viewing experience as the celebrity impersonators of “It’s Showtime” segment, Kalokalike, invade the ‘Deal’ stage to support this week’s celebrity player and “Ihaw Na” host Tito Bhoy (Jayson Gainza).

Get to see the Kalokalikes of Coco Martin, Joey De Leon, Kim Chui, Bruce Lee, Melai Cantiveros, Bong Revilla, Dingdong Dantes, Jay of Kamikazee, Robin Padilla, Christopher De Leon, John Estrada, and Apl.d.ap. Will Tito Bhoy bag the million jackpot?

Find out this Saturday (May 18) in “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal, after “TV Patrol Weekend” on ABS-CBN. Tweet your thoughts and reactions via Twitter using the hashtag #KapamilyaDOND.

Posted on April 12, 2013 | 2:15 PM

From doing heavy drama in teleseryes and movies, Iza Calzado will switch to comedy this Saturday (April 13) as she unleashes her comic side in ABS-CBN’s sitcom “Toda Max.”

In this week’s episode, Lady G (Pokwang) and Ka Iza (Iza Calzado) portray political rivals who are running for councilor and will do what it takes to win the hearts of voters.

However, behind Ka Iza’s angelic face are her evil plans against Lady G just to secure her victory. Lady G, together with her political strategist Justin (Vhong Navarro), will be put in jail as Ka Iza accuses them of being gambling lords. Ka Iza will also call a press conference to defame Lady G’s image and use her hypnotic charm to get the sympathy of the public.

Meanwhile, the wacky barkada of ABS-CBN gag show “Banana Split” invades Davao City this Saturday (April 13) in Abreeza Mall, 4:00 p.m. Bond with Melai Cantiveros, Jayson Gainza, Kean Cipriano and Pooh in an afternoon packed with entertainment and watch out for their production numbers.

The show is absolutely free and open to all as the program’s way of thanking its loyal fans and viewers for the warm appreciation they give weekly to “Banana Split Extra Scoop” and “Banana Nite.”

Posted on February 17, 2013 | 4:20 PM

Bryan Termulo will stage his first major concert 'Bryan XXV Termulo' this March 9 at the Music Museum. The concert will going to be special as Bryan will celebrate his 5 years in the music industry as well as his 25th birthday.

Dubbed as the 'Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs,' Bryan has given life to several theme songs of ABS-CBN's successful teleseryes including Bihag, Pagdating ng Panahon, Dadalhin, and Kailan. His voice can also be heard in Juan Dela Cruz with his rendition of Isang Sulyap Mo.

A runner up in the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 3 which crowned Maricris Garcia as the eventual winner, Bryan is one proof that a runner up can be as great or even greater superstar than the winner. Juggling studies and work, he play a small role in the advocacy-serye Budoy and now will be part of the cast of Against All Odds, Judy Ann Santos' comeback teleserye.

Be Bryan Termulo's date on March 9 and celebrate with him on his birthday concert at the Music Museum. Liezel Garcia, KZ Tandingan, Bugoy Drilon and Melai Cantiveros will be his guests.

For tickets, just call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Music Museum: 721-0635 and Teatrino at 721-6726. Ticket prices: 2,000, 1,500, 1,200 and 800. Php 2,000 VIP ticket buyers will get a limited Mini-Magazine of Bryan Termulo plus a Meet & Greet after the concert!

Don’t fail to witness how the consuming fire of love can remain burning amid waves of denial, deceit, and despair in ABS-CBN’s newest drama series that will introduce a lovely face with two personalities, “Apoy Sa Dagat,” beginning February 11, on Primetime Bida.

Posted on January 29, 2013 | 12:17 PM

ABS-CBN has released the official poster of upcoming teleserye Apoy Sa Dagat starring Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Angelica Panganiban and Angelica Panganiban (the latter being billed twice by playing a dual role).

The Apoy Sa Dagat poster truly lived up to the show's title, fiery and hot with both Piolo and Diether oozing with sex appeal as well as Angelica, who is wearing a wet and see-through dress.

Posted on January 25, 2013 | 8:56 PM

May Isang Pangarap child stars Larah Claire Sabroso and Julia Klarisse Base are set to wow Popstar Sarah Geronimo this Sunday (January 27) as they visit her in ABS-CBN’s hit musical variety show “Sarah G. Live!” Aside from Larah and Julia, also watch out for the must-watch reunion of Sarah and the Crystal Voice of Asia Sheryn Regis.

“SGL” center stage will surely fire up with the ultimate concert experience prepared by comedienne Melai Cantiveros; and the singing showdown of Ethel Booba with OPM band vocalists Ney Dimaculangan and Yael Yuzon. Prepare for the hottest back-to-back showdown with the smash-up dance number of basketball heartthrobs Dondon Hontiveros and Nico Salva; followed by the fiery production number of Brazilian models Diana Meneses and Fabio Ide.

Meanwhile, Sam Concepcion, Bugoy Cariño, and Zaijian Jaranilla will add more fun in the “SGL” as the Popstar’s guest co-host. Still with Sarah in the upcoming episode are Gab Valenciano and the Gollayan Sisters.

Don’t miss the trending and top Sunday primetime show of ABS-CBN, “Sarah G. Live!” 8:15pm, after “Rated K.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.comor follow @SGLiveOFFICIAL on Twitter and like SarahGLiveOFFICIAL on Facebook.

Posted on January 23, 2013 | 11:53 AM

Beginning February 4 (Monday), ABS-CBN’s most passionate primetime drama series “Apoy Sa Dagat” will set TV screens on fire as it unravels a compelling story of burning love among four powerful characters namely Serena (Angelica Panganiban), Ruben (Piolo Pascual), Anton (Diether Ocampo), and Rebecca (Angelica Panganiban).

A riveting tale of a woman named Serena who grew up with no memory about her real identity and why she was swept off an island. With no families to hold on to, Serena finds and forms a special bond with Ruben, the fishing village’s roguish champion, whom she will eventually fall in love with.

Just when everything seems perfect, an unfortunate accident will suddenly test Serena’s love for Ruben. How far will Serena go just to save the life of the only man she loves? What is Anton’s relevance in Serena’s life? And the biggest question is—who is Rebecca and how will she affect the lives of Ruben, Anton and Serena?

Don’t fail to witness how the consuming fire of love can remain burning amid waves of denial, deceit, and despair in ABS-CBN’s newest drama series that will introduce a lovely face with two personalities, “Apoy Sa Dagat,” starting February 4 (Monday), weeknights on Primetime Bida. For more updates, log in to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.